Synthesis of 4H-benzo[D]pyrrolo[1,2-A]thiazoles and indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives and their use as antitumor therapeutic agents

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a series of 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo-[1,2-a]thiazoles and 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives and their bis(alkylcarbamates) derivatives. These derivatives were designed as bi-functional DNA cross-linking agents. The in vitro cytotoxicity study of these compounds revealed that they exhibit significant anti-proliferative activity in inhibiting human lymphoblastic leukemia and various solid tumor cell growth. The compounds also exhibit therapeutic efficacy against human breast carcinoma and lung cancer in xenograft model. The compounds generally possess potent antitumor activity to kill various human solid tumors and have high potential for clinical applications.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/508,145 which was filed on Jul. 15, 2011, the contents of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to new 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo-[1,2-alpha]thiazoles and 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-beta]indole derivatives and their bis(alkylcarbamates) derivatives. These derivatives were designed as bi-functional DNA cross-linking agents, and exhibit significant anti-proliferative activity in inhibiting various cancers including human lymphoblastic leukemia, various solid tumor cell growth, human breast carcinoma, and lung cancer.

2. Description of the Related Art

DNA bifunctional alkylating agents, such as thioimidazoles (i.e., carmethizole, 1, FIG. 1),¹ bis(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine derivatives (i.e., 2² and 3³) and 2,3-dihydroxy-6,7-bis(hydroxylmethyl)pyrrolizines [e.g., 4 (IPP)],⁴ were developed originally from the pyrrolizine alkaloid (5). These agents are able to induce DNA interstrand or intrastrand cross-linking by a mechanism similar to that of mitomycin C derivatives (6, MMCs).³ Unlike MMCs, the DNA cross-linking induced by pyrrolizines does not require the reductive reactivation by reductase. The plausible mechanism of action for DNA interstrand or intrastrand cross-linking induced by bis(carbamoyloxymethyl)pyrroles or pyrrolizines is probably via a S_(N)1 electrophilic reaction.³ Thus, the potential electrophilic reactivity of these agents (the hydroxyl groups or carbamoyl moieties are leaving group in an alkyl-oxygen cleavage mechanism) would be modulated by the degree of electronic perturbation in participating of the pyrrole. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated that the lipophilicity, planarity, size and the electron properties of the substituent(s) on the C-atom adjunct to the heterocyclic N-atom may also affect their antitumor activity.⁵ Of bis(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine analogues, compound 10 was found to have significant antitumor activity against a broad range of experimental human tumor xenografts.⁶ phenylpyrrolizines may also affect their antitumor activity.⁵ Anderson et al. further synthesized bis(carbamoylmethyl) derivatives of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline (13 and 14, FIG. 2), which bear angular tricyclic structures to limit the deviation from co-planarity of the phenyl and pyrrolo rings.⁵ The results showed that these agents exhibited a broad spectrum of antitumor activity against a wide range of tumors.

In our study of bifunctional alkylating agents as potential antitumor agents, we have recently synthesized a series of bis(hydroxymethyl)-8H-3a-azacyclopenta-[α]indene-1-yl and their bis(methylcarbamate) derivatives, which can considered as “benzologue” derivatives of pyrrolizines (4).⁷ We reported that these agents exhibited significant cytotoxicity in inhibiting human lymphoblastic leukemia and a variety of human tumor cell growth in vitro and have potent therapeutic efficacy in tumor xenograft model. Among these agents, complete tumor remission (CR) in nude mice bearing human breast carcinoma MX-1 xenograft was observed when mice were treated with bis(hydroxymethyl) derivatives, BO-1090 (7, FIG. 2) and BO-1099 (8). Moreover, more than 95% of tumor suppression was achieved when mice bearing human prostate aderonamacarcinoma PC3 xenograft were treated with the bis(methylcarbamates) derivatives, BO-1012 (9) and BO-1124 (10). Remarkably, we found that the combination treatment of BO-1012 (9) with arsenic trioxide (ATO, DNA repair inhibitor) resulted in more than 82% tumor suppression in nude mice bearing human large cell lung carcinoma H460 xenograft and cisplatin-resistant NTUB 1/P human bladder carcinoma xenografts (>92% suppression) in xenograft model.⁸ More recently, we have synthesized a series of linear 5,10-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolines and their bis(alkylcarbamates). Of these derivatives, BO-1107 (11) was shown to have potent antitumor activity against human breast carcinoma MX-1 and ovarian adenocarcinoma SK-OV-3 xenografts.⁹

Earlier report on the study of the mechanism of action of thioimidazoles (e.g. 1, FIG. 1) or dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole (12, FIG. 2)¹⁰ suggested that the sulfur atom participates in the expulsion of the hydroxyl or carbamate moiety leading to the nucleophilic attack by DNA.¹¹ Utilizing the known benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thiazole diesters,^(12,13) one can prepare 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thiazoles and their bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives (13), which can be considered as a “benzologue” of compound 12 for antitumor evaluation. A plausible mechanism of action for DNA cross-linking induced by compound 13 is proposed in Scheme 1 as shown in FIG. 3.

Additionally, it was reported that the naturally occurring β-carboline alkaloids and the synthetic indole alkaloids, which possess a common tricyclic 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole ring system, also possess potent antitumor activities.^(14,15) This suggested that β-carboline alkaloids are able to intercalate into the double strands of DNA. Consequently, it is of great interest to apply the tricyclic 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole ring system for constructing the new bi-functional DNA alkylating agents, namely 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives (14, FIG. 2).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel derivatives that are able to induce DNA cross-linking by the same mechanism as that of 5,10-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolines (11) and exhibit potent antitumor activities. Based on our hypothesis, we synthesized a series of 2,3-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo-[1,2-c]thiazoles (13) and 1,2-bis(hydroxylmethyl)-indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives (14) and their bis(alkylcarbamates) for antitumor evaluation. Our studies revealed that these agents (13 and 14) exhibited potent antitumor activity both in vitro and in xenograft model against a variety of human tumors. The present invention, therefore, provide newly synthesized compounds and their application for use as potential antitumor agents, and more specifically for the treatment of human lymphoblastic leukemia and various solid tumor cell growth, human breast carcinoma and lung cancer.

The present inventors synthesized a series of bis(hydroxymethyl) of 4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thiazoles and indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives (Formula I and III, respectively) and their corresponding bis(carbamates) (Formula II and IV, respectively).

Exemplary compounds disclosed herein are shown below, compounds of Formula I (Table 1), Formula II (Table 2), Formula III (Table 3), and Formula IV (Table 4).

TABLE 1 The yields and melting points (mp) of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole- 2,3-diyl)dimethanol (5a-j) (Formula I)

Compd. No. BO No. R Yield (%) mp (° C.) 18a 1595 Me 82 138-139 18b 1592 4′-F—C₆H₄ 76 155-156 18c 1582 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ 88 151-152 18d 1601 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃ 83 154-155 18e 1710 3′,4′-Cl—C₆H₃ 84 159-160 18f 1719 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ 75 178-179 18g 1646 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ 91 156-157 18h 1724 3′,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ 91 215-216 18i 1715 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ 74 160-161 18j 1727 Cyclopropane 67 153-154

TABLE 2 The yields and melting points (mp) of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole- 2,3-diyl)bis(methylene) bis(alkylcarbamate) (Formula II)

Compd. No. BO No. R¹ R² Yield (%) mp (° C.) 19a 1653 Et Me 85 158-159 19b 1593 Et 4′-F—C₆H₄ 79 172-173 19c 1596 Et 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ 78 190-191 19d 1602 Et 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃ 85 167-168 19e 1713 Et 3′,4′-Cl—C₆H₃ 90 178-179 19f 1721 Et 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ 82 158-159 19g 1647 Et 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ 85 146-147 19h 1725 Et 3′,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ 90 145-146 19i 1716 Et 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ 89 196-197 19j 1728 Et Cyclopropane 75 187-188 20a 1652 i-Pr Me 85 158-159 20b 1597 i-Pr 4′-F—C₆H₄ 79 172-173 20c 1600 i-Pr 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ 78 190-191 20d 1635 i-Pr 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃ 85 167-168 20e 1714 i-Pr 3′,4′-Cl—C₆H₃ 90 178-179 20f 1720 i-Pr 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ 82 158-159 20g 1648 i-Pr 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ 85 146-147 20h 1726 i-Pr 3′,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ 90 145-146 20i 1717 i-Pr 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ 89 196-197 20j 1729 i-Pr Cyclopropane 75 187-188

TABLE 3 The yields and melting points (mp) of 6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H- indolizino[6,7-b]-indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol derivatives (Formula III)

Comp. No. BO No. Substitute R² R³ Yield % mp ° C. 33a 1922 Me Me 79 200-201 33b 1972 Me Et 80 216-217 33c 1950 Me C₆H₅CH₂ 81 253-254 26a 1978 Et Me 66 193-194 26b 1940 C₆H₅ Me 82 122-123 26c 1917 4′-F—C₆H₄ Me 78 240-241 26d 1934 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ Me 77 238-239 26e 1946 3′,4′-di-F—C₆H₃ Me 79 195-196 26f 1964 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ Me 76 202-203 26g 1931 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ Me 79 220-221 26h 1967 3,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ Me 79 156-157 26i 1975 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ Me 76 177-178

TABLE 4 The yields and melting points (mp) of 6-methyl-6,11- dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives (Formula IV)

Comp. BO No. No. R¹ Substitute R² R³ Yield % mp ° C. 34a 1923 Et Me Me 69 165-166 34b 1973 Et Me Et 57 178-179 34c 1951 Et Me C₆H₅CH₂ 59 204-205 27a 1979 Et Et Me 79 212-213 27b 1941 Et C₆H₅ Me 64 202-203 27c 1918 Et 4′-F—C₆H₄ Me 73 168-169 27d 1935 Et 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ Me 58 176-177 27e 1947 Et 3′,4′-di-F—C₆H₃ Me 58 196-197 27f 1965 Et 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ Me 58 194-195 27g 1932 Et 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ Me 75 116-117 27h 1968 Et 3,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ Me 54 153-154 27i 1976 Et 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ Me 59 203-204 35a 1924 i-Pr Me Me 68 190-191 35b 1974 i-Pr Me Et 63 219-220 35c 1952 i-Pr Me C₆H₅CH₂ 66 222-223 28a 1980 i-Pr Et Me 68 200-201 28b 1942 i-Pr C₆H₅ Me 64 165-166 28c 1919 i-Pr 4′-F—C₆H₄ Me 64 195-196 28d 1936 i-Pr 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ Me 60 195-196 28e 1948 i-Pr 3′,4′-di-F—C₆H₃ Me 71 211-212 28f 1966 i-Pr 3′-Cl-4′-F—C₆H₃ Me 68 235-236 28g 1933 i-Pr 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ Me 75 179-180 28h 1969 i-Pr 3,4′-di-MeO—C₆H₃ Me 61 207-208 28i 1977 i-Pr 3′,4′,5′-tri-MeO—C₆H₂ Me 70 205-206

These agents were subjected to antitumor studies. The results revealed that these compounds exhibit significant cytotoxicity in inhibiting various human tumor cell growth in vitro and could possess potent therapeutic efficacy in animal bearing human tumor xenografts (such as human breast carcinoma MX-1 and lung carcinoma HCT-116). The results demonstrated that these compounds could possess potent antitumor therapeutic efficacy and have potential for clinical applications.

In one aspect, the present application discloses compounds of Formula I:

wherein:

R is hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

The term “aryl” refers to both unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon aryl moieties and heteroaryl moieties. Examples of hydrocarbon aryl moieties include substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl. Examples of heteroaryl moieties include furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl. The substituent of the aryl or benzyl can be chosen, for example, from C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. The number of the substituent in not limited and can be from 1 to 5;

Examples of the compounds of Formula I may be selected from:

-   (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol; -   (1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol     and -   (1-Cyclopropylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol.

In another aspect, the present application discloses compounds of Formula II:

wherein:

R¹ and R² are the same or different, and are hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

The term “aryl” refers to both unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon aryl moieties and heteroaryl moieties. Examples of hydrocarbon aryl moieties include substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl. Examples of heteroaryl moieties include furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl. The substituent of the aryl or benzyl can be chosen, for example, from C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. The number of the substituent in not limited and can be from 1 to 5

Examples of the compounds of Formula II may be selected from:

-   (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-Cyclopropylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(isopropyl-carbamate); -   (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate); -   (1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate)     and -   (1-Cyclopropylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propyl-carbamate).

In another aspect, the present application discloses compounds of Formula III:

wherein:

R¹ is hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

The term “aryl” refers to both unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon aryl moieties and heteroaryl moieties. Examples of hydrocarbon aryl moieties include substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl. Examples of heteroaryl moieties include furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl. The substituent of the aryl or benzyl can be chosen, for example, from C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. The number of the substituent in not limited and can be from 1 to 5;

R² is hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, an acyl (R^(a)CO), a methansulfonyl (Me₂SO₂), or a toluenesulfonyl MeC₆H₄SO₂); wherein R^(a) is a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

Examples of the compounds of Formula III may be selected from:

-   (3-(phenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; -   (3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; -   3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; -   (3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; -   [6-Methyl-3-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   [3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate); -   [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate)     and -   [3-(4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylen)bis(ethylcarbamate).

In another aspect, the present application discloses compounds of Formula IV:

wherein:

R¹ and R² are the same or different, and are hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

The term “aryl” refers to both unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon aryl moieties and heteroaryl moieties. Examples of hydrocarbon aryl moieties include substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl. Examples of heteroaryl moieties include furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl. The substituent of the aryl or benzyl can be chosen, for example, from C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. The number of the substituent in not limited and can be from 1 to 5

R³ is hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, an acyl (R^(a)CO), a methansulfonyl (Me₂SO₂), or a toluenesulfonyl MeC₆H₄SO₂); wherein R^(a) is a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an aryl or a benzyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted;

Examples of the compounds of Formula IV may be selected from:

-   [6-Methyl-3-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(iso     propylcarbamate); -   [3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)     (isopropylcarbamate); -   [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)     (isopropylcarbamate) and -   [3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)     (isopropylcarbamate).

The synthesis method of the above compounds of Formulae I-IV includes starting with a compound of Formula V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X:

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows various DNA bifunctional alkylating agents developed originally from the pyrrolizine alkaloid (5).

FIG. 2 shows the chemical structures of various compounds including bis(carbamoylmethyl) derivatives of pyrrolo[2,1-a] isoquinoline, bis(hydroxymethyl) derivatives, dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole, and 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives.

FIG. 3 shows a proposed mechanism of action of DNA cross-linking by 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazoles and their bis(alkylcarbamates).

FIG. 4 shows the therapeutic effects of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives, 19 b (BO-1593) and 19 c (BO-1596), in nude mice bearing MX-1 human mammary xenograft (i.v. inj., n=3). A: average tumor size changes. B: average body weight changes.

FIG. 5 shows the therapeutic effects of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives, 20 b (BO-1597) and 20 c (BO-1600), in nude mice bearing MX-1 human mammary xenograft (i.v. inj., n=3). A: average tumor size changes. B: average body weight changes.

FIG. 6 shows the therapeutic effects of indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives, 28 c (BO-1919) and 33 b (BO-1972), in nude mice bearing MX-1 human mammary xenograft (i.v. inj., n=4). A: average tumor size changes. B: average body weight changes.

FIG. 7 shows the therapeutic effects of indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives, 33 a (BO-1922) and 33 b (BO-1972), in nude mice bearing human lung cancer A549 xenograft (i.v. inj., n=4). A: average tumor size changes. B: average body weight changes.

FIG. 8. Representative DNA cross-linking gel shift assay for bis(hydroxymethyl) derivatives of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazolederivatives [18 g (BO-1646) and 18 c (BO-1582)] and their corresponding bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives [19 g(BO-1647), 20 g (BO-1648), 19 c (BO-1596) and 20 c (BO-1600)] at various concentrations as indicated. Melphalan (1, 10, and 20 μM) was used as a positive control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The compounds disclosed herein can be synthesized using conventional techniques. For example, these compounds can conveniently be synthesized from readily available starting materials using standard organic chemistry synthesis methods, including those methods illustrated in the schemes and the examples herein.

General Procedure

An exemplary scheme of synthesizing 2,3-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thiazoles (Formula I) and their bis(carbamate) derivatives (Formula II) is presented in Scheme 2, wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are defined above. An exemplary scheme of synthesis of (1-hydroxymethyl-5,10-dihydro-pyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-2-yl)methanol (Formula III) and their bis(carbamate) derivatives (Formula IV) is shown in Scheme 3.

Compounds of Formulae I and II can be synthesized as shown in Scheme 2. Compound 16 can be synthesized from the commercially available benzothiazole 15 according to the literature procedure.¹⁶ By following the method described previously,¹⁷ compounds 16 can be converted into diester 17 by treating with tetrafluoro boric acid in ether followed with N,N-dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). The diester functions of 17 can be reduced to the corresponding bis-alcohol derivatives 18 (Formula I) by reacting with LiAlH₄ in a mixture of ether/CH₂Cl₂ in an ice bath. Treatment of 18 with various alkyl, phenyl, or benzylisocyantes in the presence of base (e.g. triethylamine or pyridine) can afford the desired bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives 19, and 20 (Formula II).

Compounds of Formulae III and IV can be synthesized as shown in Schemes 3. Reaction of tryptophane methylester hydrochloride (21) with formaldehyde can yield 22 by Pictet Spengler cyclization.^(18,19) N-Acylation of 22 with various acid chloride or acid anhydrides in presence of base (such as triethylamine or pyridine) in an appropriate solvent (such as CHCl₃, THF, or DMF) can give compound 23, which can be then reacted with a variety of alkyl or substituted benzyl halides (such as methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, or benzyl bromide) to give product 24. Treatment of 24 with DMAD in acetic anhydride 60-75° C. can afford di-esters 25 by the known procedure as described previously.²⁰ Reduction of 25 with LiAlH₄ in ether/CH₂Cl₂ can afford the desired bis(hydroxymethyl) derivatives 26 (Formula III). Similarly, reaction of 26 with various alkyl, phenyl, or benzylisocyantes in the presence of base (e.g. triethylamine or pyridine) can afford the desired bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives 27 (Formula IV).

Alternatively, compounds having a Me function at C3 of indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives can be prepared as shown in Scheme 4. The commercially available L-tryptophane (29) can be converted into compound 30 by the method as described previously. Treatment of 30 with DMAD in acetic anhydride upon heating can give diester 31, which can be then reacted with various alkyl halides (such as MeI, EtI) or benzyl halides (such as benzyl bromide) to yield 32. Similarly, compounds 32 can be converted into the desired bis(hydroxymethyl) (Formula III) and bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives (Formula IV) as described previously.

The specific examples below are merely illustrative, and not limitative to the present disclosure.

2,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo-[1,2-a]thiazoles Formula I) and their bis(alkylcarbamates) derivatives (Formula II) Example 1 Synthesis of (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1595), (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)-bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1653) and (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(isopropylcarbamate) (BO-1652) 1) 3-Acetyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile

Acetylchloride (4.00 g, 51.0 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirring solution of benzothiazole (6.75 g, 50.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) under argon atmosphere. A catalytic amount of AlCl₃ and trimethylsilylcyanide (5.1 g, 52.0 mmol) were than added into the reaction mixture. After being stirred for 17 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was triturated with ether to give 3-acetyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile, 8.2 g (80%); mp 92-93° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.39 (3H, s, Me), 7.05 (1H, s, ArH), 7.16-7.26 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.49-7.51 (1H, m, ArH), 7.65 (1H, brs, C2-H). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₀H₈N₂OS): C, 58.80; H, 3.95; N, 13.72; S, 15.70. Found: C, 58.85; H, 3.95; N, 13.78; S, 15.76.

2) Dimethyl 1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 3-acetyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile (5 g, 24.5 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added dropwise 7 mL of tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF₄). The solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The brown precipitates appeared were collected by filtration and the filter cake was washed with ether. The solid salt was added to a solution of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (10.4 g, 73.0 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) and then warmed at 35° C. for 13 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was recrystallized from methanol to give dimethyl 1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate, 1.7 g (23%); mp 143-144° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.85 (3H, s, Me), 3.83 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.85 (3H, s, COOMe), 7.50 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.58 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 8.07 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 8.12 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₅H₁₃NO₄S): C, 59.39; H, 4.32; N, 4.62; S, 10.57. Found: C, 59.02; H, 4.23; N, 4.87; S, 10.42.

3) (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1595)

A solution of dimethyl 1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate (2.0 g, 6.6 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (30 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (0.6 g, 16.0 mmol) in anhydrous ether (20 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 20 min. The excess hydride was decomposed by adding water (1 mL) followed by NH₄OH (1 mL) and water (1 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, washed with several times with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were washed successively with water and brine solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuum. The residue was triturated with ether to give (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl) dimethanol (BO-1595), 1.3 g (82%) as white powder; mp 138-139° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.63 (3H, s, Me), 4.39 (2H, d, J=5.2 Hz, CH₂), 4.56 (2H, d, J=5.2 Hz, CH₂), 4.60 (1H, t, J=5.6 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 4.97 (1H, t, J=5.6 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 7.21-7.25 (1H, m, ArH), 7.34-7.38 (1H, m, ArH), 7.76-7.78 (1H, m, ArH), 7.83-7.85 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₃H₁₃NO₂S): C, 63.13; H, 5.30; N, 5.66; S, 12.97. Found: C, 62.94; H, 5.24; N, 5.83; S, 12.90.

4) (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1653)

A solution of (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1595) (0.24 g, 1.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.5 mL) followed by excess ethylisocyanate (0.28 g, 4.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give BO-1653, 0.30 g (85%); mp 158-159° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.98 (6H, t, J=7.0 Hz, 2×Me), 2.67 (3H, s, Me), 2.98 (4H, q, J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 5.01 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.03 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.02-7.05 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.29 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.41 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.84 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.91 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₉H₂₃N₃O₄S): C, 58.59; H, 5.95; N, 10.79; S, 8.23. Found: C, 58.26; H, 5.62; N, 10.46; S, 8.60.

5) (1-Methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(isopropyl-carbamate) (BO-1652)

A solution of (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1595) (0.24 g, 1.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.5 mL) followed by excess isopropylisocyanate (0.34 g, 4.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After being stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-methylbenzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(isopropyl-carbamate) (BO-1652), 0.33 g (79%); mp 172-173° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.03 (12H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 4×Me), 2.67 (3H, s, Me), 3.59 (2H, m, CH), 5.02 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.04 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.97-6.99 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.29 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.41 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.84 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.91 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₁H₂₇N₃O₄S): C, 60.41; H, 6.52; N, 10.06; S, 7.68. Found: C, 60.08; H, 6.24; N, 9.76; S, 7.97.

Example 2 Synthesis of (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1592), (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1593) and (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1597) 1) 3-(4-Fluorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile

4-Fluorobenzoylchloride (6.5 g, 41.0 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirring solution of benzothiazole (5.4 g, 40.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) under argon atmosphere. A catalytic amount of AlCl₃ and trimethylsilylcyanide (4.1 g, 42.0 mmol) were than added into the reaction mixture. After being stirred for 15 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was triturated with ether to give 3-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile, 9.3 g (82%); mp 150-151° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 6.71 (1H, brs, C2-H), 6.85 (1H, s, ArH), 7.04-7.07 (1H, m, ArH), 7.12-7.16 (1H, m, ArH), 7.38-7.40 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH), 7.64-7.67 (2H, m, 2×ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₅H₉FN₂OS): C, 63.37; H, 3.19; N, 9.85; S, 11.28. Found: C, 63.02; H, 3.27; N, 9.81; S, 11.31.

2) Dimethyl 1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 3-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile (8.1 g, 28.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added dropwise 8 mL of tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF₄). The solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The brown precipitates appeared were collected by filtration and the filter cake was washed with ether. The solid salt was added to a solution of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (12.2 g, 84.0 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) and then warmed at 35° C. for 14 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from methanol to give dimethyl 1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate, 2.5 g (23%); mp 186-187° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.63 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.83 (3H, s, COOMe), 6.78-6.80 (1H, m, ArH), 7.28-7.30 (1H, m, ArH), 7.30-7.44 (3H, m, 3×ArH), 7.62-7.66 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 8.03-8.05 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₀H₁₄FNO₄S): C, 62.65; H, 3.68; N, 3.65; S, 8.36. Found: C, 62.68; H, 3.46; N, 3.62; S, 8.76.

3) (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1592)

A solution of dimethyl 1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate (2.4 g, 6.6 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (30 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (0.6 g, 16.0 mmol) in anhydrous ether (20 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 20 min. The excess hydride was decomposed by adding water (1 mL) followed by NH₄OH (1 mL) and water (1 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, washed with several times with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were washed successively with water and brine solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ether to give (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1592), 1.5 g (76%); mp 155-156° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 4.22 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz, CH₂), 4.66 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz, CH₂), 4.73 (1H, t, J=5.1 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 5.13 (1H, t, J=5.1 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 6.83-6.85 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.19 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.37-7.41 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.53-7.57 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.79-7.81 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₈H₁₄FNO₂S): C, 66.04; H, 4.31; N, 4.28; S, 9.79. Found: C, 65.25; H, 4.22; N, 4.14; S, 9.76.

4) (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[c]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1593)

A solution of (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1592) (0.33 g, 1.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.5 mL) followed by excess ethylisocyanate (0.28 g, 4.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After being stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give 1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1593), 0.36 g (79%); mp 172-173° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.98 (6H, t, J=7.0 Hz, 2×Me), 2.98 (4H, q, J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 4.81 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.12 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.79-6.81 (1H, m, ArH), 7.05-7.11 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.19-7.26 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.38-7.43 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.56-7.59 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.86-7.88 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₄H₂₄FN₃O₄S): C, 61.39; H, 5.15; N, 8.95; S, 6.83. Found: C, 61.36; H, 5.26; N, 8.94; S, 7.14.

5) (1-(4-Fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propyl-carbamate) (BO-1597)

A solution of (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1592) (0.33 g, 1.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.5 mL) followed by excess isopropylisocyanate (0.34 g, 4.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After being stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propyl-carbamate) (BO-1597), 0.47 g (95%); mp 174-175° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ1.04 (12H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 4×Me), 3.59 (2H, m, CH), 4.81 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.12 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.79-6.81 (1H, m, ArH), 6.99-7.05 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.18-7.26 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.38-7.42 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.55-7.58 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.86-7.88 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₆H₂₈FN₃O₄S): C, 62.76; H, 5.67; N, 8.44; S, 6.44. Found: C, 62.46; H, 5.61; N, 8.30; S, 6.48.

Example 3 Synthesis (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1582), (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1596), and (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1600) 1) 3-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile

4-Chlorobenzoylchloride (7.2 g, 41.0 mmol was added dropwise to a stirring solution of benzothiazole (5.4 g, 40.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) under argon atmosphere. A catalytic amount of AlCl₃ and trimethylsilylcyanide (4.1 g, 42.0 mmol) were than added into the reaction mixture. After being stirred for 15 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was triturated with ether to give 3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile, 10.1 g (84%); mp 115-117° C. (lit.²¹ mp 115-118° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 6.75 (1H, brs, C2-H), 6.85 (1H, s, ArH), 7.05-7.09 (1H, m, ArH), 7.13-7.17 (1H, m, ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH), 7.58-7.61 (4H, m, 4×ArH).

2) Dimethyl 1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile (9.12 g, 30.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added dropwise 9 mL of tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF₄). The solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The brown precipitates appeared were collected by filtration and the filter cake was washed with ether. The solid salt was added to a solution of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (12.7 g, 90.0 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) and then warmed at 35° C. for 14 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from methanol to give dimethyl 1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate, 2.5 g (21%); mp 172-173° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.64 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.83 (3H, s, COOMe), 6.85-6.87 (1H, m, ArH), 7.30-7.42 (2H, m, ArH), 7.60-7.66 (4H, m, 4×ArH), 8.04-8.06 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₀H₁₄ClNO₄S.0.5H₂O): C, 58.75; H, 3.70; N, 3.43; S, 7.84. Found: C, 58.76; H, 3.45; N, 3.59; S, 7.73.

3) (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1582)

A solution of dimethyl 1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate (2.1 g, 5.0 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (30 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (0.45 g, 12.5 mmol) in anhydrous ether (20 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 20 min. The excess hydride was decomposed by adding water (1 mL) followed by NH₄OH (1 mL) and water (1 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, washed with several times with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were washed successively with water and brine solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ether to give (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1582), 1.5 g (88%); mp 151-152° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 4.22 (2H, d, J=4.4 Hz, CH₂), 4.66 (2H, d, J=4.4 Hz, CH₂), 4.76 (1H, t, J=5.2 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 5.14 (1H, t, J=5.2 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 6.91-6.93 (1H, m, ArH), 7.16-7.22 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.53 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.61 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.79-7.82 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₈H₁₄ClNO₂S): C, 62.88; H, 4.10; N, 4.07; S, 9.33. Found: C, 62.73; H, 4.09; N, 4.06; S, 9.19.

4) (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1596)

A solution of (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1582) (0.25 g, 0.7 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.4 mL) followed by excess ethylisocyanate (0.23 g, 3.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After being stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1596), 0.28 g (78%); mp 190-191° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.00 (6H, t, J=7.2 Hz, 2×Me), 2.99 (4H, q, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂), 4.83 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.13 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.87-6.89 (1H, m, ArH), 7.07-7.14 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.21-7.29 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.55 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.63 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.88-7.90 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₄H₂₄ClN₃O₄S): C, 59.31; H, 4.98; N, 8.65; S, 6.60. Found: C, 59.44; H, 4.95; N, 8.52; S, 6.72.

5) (1-(4-Chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1600)

A solution of (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1582) (0.17 g, 0.5 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.3 mL) followed by excess isopropylisocyanate (0.17 g, 2.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After being stirred overnight, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1600), 0.2 g (78%); mp 171-172° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.04 (12H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 4×Me), 3.59 (2H, m, CH), 4.82 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.12 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.87-6.89 (1H, m, ArH), 6.97-7.05 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.20-7.28 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.54 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.63 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.87-7.89 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₆H₂₈ClN₃O₄S.0.5H₂O): C, 59.70; H, 5.59; N, 8.03; S, 6.13. Found: C, 59.38; H, 5.32; N, 7.87; S, 6.50.

Example 4 Synthesis of (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1646), (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1647), and (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1648) 1) 3-(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile

4-methoxybenzoylchloride (7.0 g, 41.0 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirring solution of benzothiazole (5.4 g, 40.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) under argon atmosphere. A catalytic amount of AlCl₃ and trimethylsilylcyanide (4.1 g, 42.0 mmol) were than added into the reaction mixture. After being stirred for 14 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was triturated with ether to give 3-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile, 8.2 g (70%); mp 122-123° C. (Lit.²¹ 122-123° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.82 (3H, s, MeO), 6.72 (1H, brs, C2-H), 6.84 (1H, s, ArH), 7.01-7.14 (4H, m, 4×ArH), 7.52-7.55 (3H, m, 3×ArH).

2) Dimethyl 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 3-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile (5.3 g, 17.9 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added dropwise 5 mL of tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF₄). The solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The brown precipitates appeared were collected by filtration and the filter cake was washed with ether. The solid salt was added to a solution of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (7.6 g, 54.0 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) and then warmed at 35° C. for 14 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from methanol to give dimethyl 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate 1.7 g (24%); mp 167-168° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.63 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.82 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.86 (3H, s, Me), 6.84-6.86 (1H, m, ArH), 7.12 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.28-7.32 (1H, m, ArH), 7.37-7.40 (1H, m, ArH), 7.48 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 8.03-8.05 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₁H₁₇NO₅S): C, 63.79; H, 4.33; N, 3.54; S, 8.11.

Found: C, 63.81; H, 4.33; N, 3.55; S, 8.10.

3) (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1646)

A solution of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-dicarboxylate (1.7 g, 4.3 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (30 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (0.4 g, 10.0 mmol) in anhydrous ether (20 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 20 min. The excess hydride was decomposed by adding water (1 mL) followed by NH₄OH (1 mL) and water (1 mL) at −5° C. to 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, washed with several times with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were washed successively with water and brine solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)-dimethanol (BO-1646), 1.3 g (91%); mp 156-157° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.85 (3H, s, MeO), 4.22 (2H, d, J=4.8 Hz, CH₂), 4.66 (3H, m, CH₂ and exchangeable OH), 5.09 (1H, t, J=4.8 Hz, exchangeable, OH), 6.85-6.87 (1H, m, ArH), 7.08-7.19 (4H, m, 4×ArH), 7.39-7.42 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.76-7.79 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₁₉H₁₇NO₃S): C, 67.24; H, 5.05; N, 4.13; S, 9.45. Found: C, 67.54; H, 5.00; N, 4.00; S, 9.30.

4) (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1647)

A solution of (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1646) (0.2 g, 0.6 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.3 mL) followed by excess ethylisocyanate (0.17 g, 2.4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1647), 0.24 g (85%); mp 146-147° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.00 (6H, t, J=7.2 Hz, 2×Me), 2.99 (4H, q, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂), 3.87 (3H, s, OMe), 4.80 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.11 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.83-6.85 (1H, m, ArH), 7.04-7.10 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.11-7.13 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.18-7.26 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.41-7.43 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.84-7.86 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₅H₂₇N₃O₅S): C, 62.35; H, 5.65; N, 8.73; S, 6.66. Found: C, 62.19; H, 5.55; N, 7.03; S, 8.75.

5) (1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1648)

A solution of (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)dimethanol (BO-1646) (0.25 g, 0.7 mmol) in anhydrous THF was treated with excess triethylamine (0.4 mL) followed by excess isopropylisocyanate (0.24 g, 2.8 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give (1-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-2,3-diyl)bis(methylene)bis(iso-propyl-carbamate) (BO-1648), 0.32 g (86%); mp 141-142° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.04 (12H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 4×Me), 3.59 (2H, m, CH), 3.87 (3H, s, MeO), 4.81 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.11 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.83-6.85 (1H, m, ArH), 6.97-7.04 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.12 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.17-7.25 (2H, m, 2×ArH), 7.42 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, 2×ArH), 7.84-7.86 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd. for (C₂₇H₃₁N₃O₅S): C, 63.63; H, 6.13; N, 8.25; S, 6.29. Found: C, 63.38; H, 6.06; N, 8.05; S, 6.61.

By following the same synthetic route described above, compounds of Formula I and Formula II as shown in Table 1 and 2 were synthesized.

Synthesis of 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-b]indoles (Formula III) and their bis(alkylcarbamates) derivatives (Formula IV) Example 5 Synthesis of [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1922), [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)-bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1923), and [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]-indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1924) 1) 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid

To a mixture of 0.1 NH₂SO₄ (150 mL) and 37% formaldehyde (80 mL) was added portionwise L-tryptophane (50 g, 245 mmol) with stirring. After being stirred for 4 h at room temperature, the white solid separated out was collected by filtration. The solid cake was washed with water and dried to give 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid, 41 g, (78%); mp 275-276° C. (lit.¹⁸ mp 280-282° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.84 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.16 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.66 (1H, m, CH₂), 4.23 (1H, m, CH₂), 4.38 (1H, m, CH), 6.98-7.02 (1H, m, ArH), 7.13-7.16 (1H, m, ArH), 7.32-7.34 (1H, m, ArH), 7.45-7.48 (1H, m, ArH), 11.03 (1H, brs, exchangeable, NH).

2) Dimethyl 3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate

Dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (8.4 g, 59.5 mmol) was added into a mixture of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid (10 g, 39.6 mmol) in acetic anhydride (70 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. with stirring for 2 h and then evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was recrystallized from MeOH to give dimethyl 3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate, 11.5 g (86%); mp 252-253° C. (lit.²⁰ mp 255-260° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.43 (3H, s, Me), 3.73 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.75 (3H, s, COOMe), 4.16 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.21 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.02-7.06 (1H, m, ArH), 7.11-7.14 (1H, m, ArH), 7.39 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.52 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 11.12 (1H, s, exchangeable, NH).

3) Dimethyl 3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate

To a suspension of NaH (0.63 g, 26.5 mmol) in dry DMF (150 ml) was added portionwise dimethyl 3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate (6 g, 17.7 mmol) at 0° C. to 5° C. After being stirred for 15 min, iodomethane (2.5 g, 17.7 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture and was stirred for additional 1 h in an ice bath. After being stirred at room temperature for 9 h, methanol was added into the reaction mixture and then evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from MeOH to give dimethyl 3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate, 5.8 g (94%); mp 240-241° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.45 (3H, s, Me), 3.73 (6H, s, COOMe and Me), 3.74 (3H, s, COOMe), 4.16 (2H, t, J=3.4 Hz, CH₂), 5.27 (2H, t, J=3.4 Hz, CH₂), 7.05-7.09 (1H, m, ArH), 7.17-7.21 (1H, m, ArH), 7.48 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.53 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₂₀N₂O₄): C, 68.17; H, 5.72; N, 7.95. Found: C, 67.79; H, 5.73; N, 7.84.

4) [3,6-Dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1922

A solution of dimethyl 3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate (3.5 g, 10.0 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (35 mL) was added dropwise into a stirred suspension of LiAlH₄ (0.9 g, 25.0 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (20 mL) at 0 to −5° C. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 15 min after the addition was completed. The excess hydride was destroyed by the sequential addition of water (1 mL), 15% aqueous NaOH (1 mL), and water (1 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, the solid residue was washed with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ether to give [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1922), 2.3 g (79%); mp 200-201° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.29 (3H, s, Me), 3.73 (3H, s, Me), 3.99 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.38 (4H, brs, CH₂ and exchangeable, OH), 4.44 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.13 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.05 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.46 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.53 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂.0.5H₂O): C, 70.80; H, 6.93; N, 9.17. Found: C, 70.85; H, 6.65; N, 9.02.

5) [3,6-Dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethyl carbamate) (BO-1923)

To a solution of [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1922) (0.29 g, 1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.3 mL) in anhydrous DMF was added ethylisocyanate (0.28 g, 4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 12 h under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1923), 0.3 g (69%); mp 165-166° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.98 (6H, t, J=6.9 Hz, 2×Me), 2.32 (3H, s, Me), 2.98 (4H, q, J=6.9 Hz, CH₂), 3.73 (3H, s, NMe), 4.04 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.94 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.98 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.17 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.88-6.91 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.04-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.19 (1H, m, ArH), 7.46-7.48 (1H, m, ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₄H₃₀N₄O₄): C, 65.73; H, 6.90; N, 12.78. Found: C, 65.53; H, 6.75; N, 12.44.

6) [3,6-Dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis-(isopropylcarbamate) (BO-1924)

To a solution of [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1922) (0.29 g, 1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.3 mL) in anhydrous DMF was added isopropylisocyanate (0.34 g, 4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 12 h under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give [3,6-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1924), 0.32 g (68%); mp 190-191° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.02 (12H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 4×Me), 2.31 (3H, s, Me), 3.56 (2H, m, CH), 3.73 (3H, s, NMe), 4.03 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.94 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.98 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.16 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.81-6.83 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.04-7.07 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.45-7.47 (1H, m, ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₆H₃₄N₄O₄): C, 66.93; H, 7.35; N, 12.01. Found: C, 66.79; H, 7.15; N, 11.73.

Example 6

By following the same synthetic route as that for BO-1922, BO-1923, and BO-1924, the following compounds were prepared.

[6-Ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1972), [6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1973), and [6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1974) 1) Dimethyl 6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate

This compound was prepared from dimethyl 3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate (5.1 g, 15 mmol), NaH (0.54 g, 22.5 mmol) and iodoethane (2.3 g, 15 mmol). Yield 5.1 g (92%); mp 202-203° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.29 (3H, t, J=6.9 Hz, Me), 2.46 (3H, s, Me), 3.73 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.74 (3H, s, COOMe), 4.17 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.20 (2H, q, J=6.9 Hz, CH₂), 5.29 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.05-7.09 (1H, m, ArH), 7.16-7.20 (1H, m, ArH), 7.49-7.51 (1H, m, ArH), 7.53-7.55 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₄): C, 68.84; H, 6.05; N, 7.65. Found: C, 68.46; H, 6.06; N, 7.59.

2) [6-Ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (BO-1972)

Compound BO-1972 was prepared from dimethyl 6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino-[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate (3.6 g, 10 mmol) and LiAlH₄ (0.92 g, 25 mmol). Yield 2.5 g (80%); mp 216-217° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.29 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, Me), 2.30 (3H, s, Me), 4.00 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.21 (2H, q, J=7.1 Hz, CH₂), 4.38 (3H, br s, CH₂ and exchangeable, OH), 4.44 (3H, br s, CH₂ and exchangeable, OH), 5.13 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.04-7.07 (1H, m, ArH), 7.14-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.47-7.49 (1H, m, ArH), 7.53-7.55 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₂): C, 73.52; H, 7.14; N, 9.03. Found: C, 73.68; H, 6.93; N, 8.66.

3) [6-Ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1973)

Compound BO-1973 was prepared from [6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino-[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (0.62 g, 2 mmol), Et₃N (0.6 mL), and ethylisocyanate (0.56 g, 8 mmol). Yield, 0.52 g (57%); mp 178-179° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.98 (6H, t, J=7.1 Hz, 2×Me), 1.29 (3H, t, J=7 Hz, Me), 2.33 (3H, s, Me), 2.97 (4H, q, J=7.1 Hz, CH₂), 4.04 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.21 (2H, q, J=7 Hz, CH₂), 4.94 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.99 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.17 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.89 (2H, br s, exchangeable, NH), 7.04-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.47-7.49 (1H, m, ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₅H₃₂N₄O₄.0.5H₂O): C, 65.06; H, 7.21; N, 12.14. Found: C, 64.71; H, 7.09; N, 12.03.

4) [6-Ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)-bis(iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1974)

Compound BO-1974 was prepared from [6-ethyl-3-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]dimethanol (0.62 g, 2 mmol), Et₃N (0.6 mL), and isopropylisocyanate (0.68 g, 8 mmol). Yield, 0.61 g (63%); mp 219-220° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.01 (12H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 4×Me), 1.29 (3H, t, J=7 Hz, Me), 2.33 (3H, s, Me), 3.57 (2H, m, CH), 4.04 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.21 (2H, q, J=7 Hz, CH₂), 4.94 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.99 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.17 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.82 (2H, br s, exchangeable, NH), 7.04-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.45-7.49 (1H, m, ArH), 7.52-7.54 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₇H₃₆N₄O₄): C, 67.48; H, 7.55; N, 11.66. Found: C, 67.26; H, 7.59; N, 11.54.

Example 7

Synthesis of (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl) dimethanol (BO-1934), [3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]-indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1935), and [3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) (isopropylcarbamate) (BO-1936).

1) Methyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-h]indole-3-carboxylate

A mixture of L-tryptophane methyl ester (25.4 g, 100 mmol) and 37% formaldehyde solution (12.5 mL) in aqueous methanol (170 mL; H₂O:MeOH, v/v 10:1) was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was basified with sodium bicarbonate to give methyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate, 14.4 g (63%); mp 161-162° C. (lit.¹⁹ mp 164-165° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.78 (1H, m, CH₂), 2.98 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.66 (3H, s, COOMe), 3.85 (1H, m, CH), 4.02 (2H, q, J=15.8 Hz, NCH₂), 6.92-6.96 (1H, m, ArH), 7.00-7.04 (1H, m, ArH), 7.27-7.29 (1H, m, ArH), 7.37-7.39 (1H, m, ArH), 10.78 (1H, s, exchangeable NH).

2) Methyl 2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-h]indole-3-carboxylate

A mixture of methyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate (6.9 g, 30 mmol), benzoylchloride (4.2 g, 30 mmol) and triethylamine (4.8 mL) in anhydrous THF (150 mL) was refluxed for 9 h. It was concentrated and diluted with water. The solid precipitated was collected by filtration, the solid cake was washed successfully with water and hexane and dried to give methyl 2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate, 9.0 g (82%); mp 243-244° C. (lit.¹⁹ mp 245-246° C.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.10 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.35 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.55 and 3.65 (3H, s, COOMe), 4.41 and 5.18 (1H, d, J=17.4 Hz, NCH₂), 4.51 and 4.64 (1H, d, J=16.4 Hz, NCH₂), 4.88 and 5.82 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz, CH), 6.96-6.99 (1H, m, ArH), 7.03-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.25-7.32 (1H, m, ArH), 7.42-7.60 (5H, m, 5×ArH), 10.65 and 10.95 (1H, s, exchangeable NH).

3) 2-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)-9-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid

To a suspension of NaH (0.96 g, 40.0 mmol) in dry DMF (150 ml) was added portionwise methyl 2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate (7.3 g, 20.0 mmol) at 0° C. to 5° C. After being stirred for 15 min, iodomethane (2.8 g, 20.0 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for additional 1 h in an ice bath. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 9 h. The excess of hydride was decomposed with methanol and the reaction mixture was then evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from MeOH to give 2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-9-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid, 5.4 g (74%); mp 262-263° C. ¹H NMR (Acetic acid-d₄) δ 3.18 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.56 (1H, m, CH₂), 3.45 and 3.68 (3H, s, NMe), 4.64 and 5.40 (1H, d, J=15.8 Hz, NCH₂), 4.70 and 4.93 (1H, d, J=17.1 Hz, NCH₂), 5.02 and 6.12 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz, CH), 7.04-7.07 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.31-7.33 (1H, m, ArH), 7.45-7.47 (1H, m, ArH), 7.50-7.55 (3H, m, 3×ArH), 7.59-7.61 (1H, m, ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₁₇ClN₂O₃): C, 65.13; H, 4.65; N, 7.60. Found: C, 64.77; H, 4.79; N, 7.68.

4) Dimethyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-9-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydropyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid (4 g, 10.8 mmol), DMAD (2.3 g, 16.3 mmol) in AC₂₀ (30 mL) was heated at 80° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was recrystallized from MeOH to give dimethyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate, 3.5 g, (72%); mp 264-265° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.60 (6H, s, 2×COOMe), 3.78 (3H, s, NMe), 4.30 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.18 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.06-7.10 (1H, m, ArH), 7.17-7.20 (1H, m, ArH), 7.45-7.47 (1H, m, ArH), 7.54-7.59 (5H, m, 5×ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₅H₂₁ClN₂O₄): C, 66.89; H, 4.72; N, 6.24. Found: C, 66.82; H, 4.63; N, 6.24.

5) (3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)-dimethanol (BO-1934)

A solution of dimethyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-dicarboxylate (3.2 g, 7 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (35 mL) was added dropwise into a stirred suspension of LiAlH₄ (0.6 g, 17.8 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (20 mL) at 0 to −5° C. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 15 min after the addition was completed. The excess hydride was destroyed by the sequential addition of water (1 mL), 15% aqueous NaOH (1 mL), and water (1 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the solid was washed with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ether to give (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)-dimethanol (BO-1934), 2.2 g (77%); mp 238-239° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.62 (3H, s, Me), 4.10 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.29 (2H, m, CH₂), 4.55 (2H, s, CH₂) 4.59 (2H, brs, exchangeable, 2×OH), 5.16 (2H, s, CH₂), 7.04-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.14-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.43-7.45 (1H, m, ArH), 7.53-7.59 (5H, m, 5×ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₃H₂₁ClN₂O₂.0.5H₂O): C, 68.74; H, 5.52; N, 6.97. Found: C, 68.72; H, 5.16; N, 6.94.

6) [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis-(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1935)

To a solution of (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)-dimethanol (BO-1934) (0.4 g, 1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.4 mL) in anhydrous DMF was added ethylisocyanate (0.28 g, 4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 12 h under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give [3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis-(methylene)bis(ethylcarbamate) (BO-1935), 0.31 g (58%); mp 176-177° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.98 (6H, t, J=6.4 Hz, 2×Me), 2.98 (4H, q, J=6.4 Hz, CH₂), 3.60 (3H, s, NMe), 4.13 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.80 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.07 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.15 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.96-6.98 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.04-7.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.14-7.18 (1H, m, ArH), 7.43-7.45 (1H, m, ArH), 7.54-7.60 (5H, m, 5×ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₂₉H₃₁ClN₄O₄.0.5H₂O): C, 64.02; H, 5.93; N, 10.30. Found: C, 63.97; H, 6.01; N, 10.29.

7) [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis-(methylene) (isopropylcarbamate) (BO-1936)

To a solution of (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)-dimethanol (BO-1934) (0.4 g, 1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.4 mL) in anhydrous DMF was added isopropylisocyanate (0.34 g, 4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 12 h under an argon atmosphere. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give [3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis-(methylene) (iso-propylcarbamate) (BO-1936), 0.34 g (60%); mp 195-196° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.02 (12H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 4×Me), 3.57 (2H, m, CH), 3.61 (3H, s, NMe), 4.14 (2H, s, CH₂), 4.81 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.08 (2H, s, CH₂), 5.16 (2H, s, CH₂), 6.87-6.90 (2H, brs, exchangeable, NH), 7.05-7.09 (1H, m, ArH), 7.15-7.19 (1H, m, ArH), 7.44-7.46 (1H, m, ArH), 7.54-7.58 (5H, m, 5×ArH). Anal. Calcd for (C₃₁H₃₅ClN₄O₄.0.5H₂O): C, 65.08; H, 6.34; N, 9.79. Found: C, 64.94; H, 6.21; N, 9.73.

By following the same synthetic route as described above, compounds of Formula III and Formula IV as shown in Table 3 and 4 were synthesized.

Biological Results

In Vitro Cytotoxicity Against Human Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Solid Tumors

Table 5 shows the cytotoxicity of the compounds disclosed herein in inhibiting tumor cell growth in cell culture. The IC₅₀ is defined by the concentration required to inhibit tumor cell growth by 50%. It demonstrated that these agents exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF/CEM) and its drug-resistant sublines (resistant to vinblastine and taxol, CCRF-CEM/VBL and CCRF-CEM/taxol, respectively) as shown in Table 5. The growth inhibition of the compounds disclosed herein against human solid tumors (e.g. breast MX-1, colon HCT-116, carcinoma HCT-116, prostate PC3, lung H1299, glioma U87, and oral OECM1) cell growth in vitro with submicromolar or micromolar IC₅₀ values (Table 6) were observed. Table 7 shows the anti-proliferative activity of 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]-indole and their bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives against human lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF-CEM) and solid tumor (e.g. MX-1, HCT-116, PC3, H1299, U87, and OECM1 tumor cell lines) cell growth in vitro. The results demonstrated that the newly invented compounds exhibit significant anti-proliferative against various tumor cell growth in vitro and have little or no cross-resistance to either Taxol or Vinblastine. It suggested that analogues disclosed herein are effective against multiple drug resistant tumors.

TABLE 5 The cytotoxicity of newly synthesized 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzo[d]-pyrrolo[2,1- b]thiazole and their bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives against human lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF-CEM), its drug-resistant sublines (CCRF-CEM/Taxol and CCRF-CEM/VBL).

Cell Growth inhibition (IC₅₀ μM) Compd. R¹ R² CCRF-CEM CCRF-CEM/Taxol^(a) CCRF-CEM/VBL^(a) 18a (BO-1595) H Me 0.97 ± 0.03 1.88 ± 0.007 [1.93×]^(b) 1.86 ± 0.010 [1.91×]^(b) 19a (BO-1653) CONHEt Me 0.33 ± 0.01 0.45 ± 0.013 [1.30×] 0.43 ± 0.003 [1.30×] 20a (BO-1652) CONH-i-Pr Me 0.13 ± 0.01 0.22 ± 0.002 [1.69×] 0.25 ± 0.01 [1.92×] 18b (BO-1592) H 4′-F—C₆H₄ 1.06 ± 0.04 2.56 ± 0.012 [2.41×] 3.72 ± 0.175 [3.50×] 19b (BO-1593) CONHEt 4′-F—C₆H₄  0.07 ± 0.0002 0.38 ± 0.002 [5.42×] 0.45 ± 0.033 [6.42×] 20b (BO-1597) CONH-i-Pr 4′-F—C₆H₄  0.05 ± 0.001 0.16 ± 0.007 [3.20×] 0.19 ± 0.003 [3.80×] 18c (BO-1582) H 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ 2.61 ± 0.03 5.22 ± 0.026 [2.00×] 4.09 ± 0.025 [1.56×] 19c (BO-1596) CONHEt 4′-Cl—C₆H₄ 0.21 ± 0.01 0.32 ± 0.003 [1.52×] 0.39 ± 0.012 [1.85×] 20c (BO-1600) CONH-i-Pr 4′-Cl—C₆H₄  0.08 ± 0.0003 0.39 ± 0.004 [4.87×] 0.42 ± 0.001 [5.25×] 18d (BO-1601) H 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃ 0.19 ± 0.02 0.19 ± 0.004 [100×] 0.28 ± 0.006 [1.47×] 19d (BO-1602) CONHEt 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃ 0.21 ± 0.01 0.34 ± 0.008 [1.61×] 0.31 ± 0.002 [1.47×] 20d (BO-1635) CONH-i-Pr 3′,4′-F—C₆H₃  0.33 ± 0.001 0.19 ± 0.004 [0.57×] 0.30 ± 0.001 [0.90×] 18g (BO-1646) H 4′-MeO—C₆H₄ 1.13 ± 0.09 2.17 ± 0.02 [1.9×] 2.63 ± 0.031 [2.30×] 19g (BO-1647) CONHEt 4′-MeO—C₆H₄  0.19 ± 0.002 0.37 ± 0.001 [1.90×] 0.42 ± 0.003 [2.20×] 20g (BO-1648) CONH-i-Pr 4′-MeO—C₆H₄  0.14 ± 0.002 0.17 ± 0.004 [1.17×] 0.25 ± 0.008 [1.47×] 18j (BO-1727) H Cyclopropane 0.97 ± 0.07 2.31 ± 0.0048 [2.37×] 2.44 ± 0.01 [2.51×] 19j (BO-1728) CONHEt Cyclopropane 0.17 ± 0.03 0.68 ± 0.004 [4.01×] 0.54 ± 0.008 [3.18×] 20j (BO-1729) CONH-i-Pr Cyclopropane 0.10 ± 0.01 0.73 ± 0.013 [7.30×] 0.90 ± 0.011 [9.00×] ^(a)CCRF-CEM/Taxol and CCRF-CEM/VBL are subcell lines of CCRF-CEM cells that are 330-fold resistant to Taxol, and 680-fold resistant to Vinblastine, respectively, when comparing with the IC₅₀ of the parent cell line. ^(b)Numbers in the brackets are fold of cross-resistant determined by comparison with the corresponding IC₅₀ of the parent cell line.

TABLE 6 The cytotoxicity of newly synthesized 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzo-[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b] thiazole and their bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives against human solid tumors: breast carcinoma MX-1 and colon carcinoma HCT-116, prostate PC3, lung H1299, oral OECM1, and glioma U87.

IC₅₀ (μM) Compd. MX-1 HCT-116 H1299 PC3 OECM-1 U87 18a (BO-1595)  7.10 ± 0.037 4.44 ± 0.08 ND ND ND ND 20a (BO-1652)  0.13 ± 0.001  0.97 ± 0.018 ND ND ND ND 18b (BO-1592)  2.77 ± 0.005 9.59 ± 0.19  9.27 ± 1.69 13.78 ± 2.15  6.03 ± 1.20 15.46 ± 1.31  19b (BO-1593)  0.48 ± 0.005  0.52 ± 0.025 13.55 ± 2.03 23.70 ± 3.05 11.47 ± 2.63 29.24 ± 2.63  20b (BO-1597)  0.62 ± 0.014  0.35 ± 0.010 33.03 ± 3.20 24.19 ± 4.17 11.89 ± 2.90 53.50 ± 9.97  18c (BO-1582) 10.40 ± 0.003  9.26 ± 0.049 12.43 ± 0.44 20.41 ± 3.43 14.60 ± 1.13 20.66 ± 2.26  19c (BO-1596) 0.91 ± 0.01  0.70 ± 0.008  4.33 ± 0.45 13.85 ± 3.78 11.61 ± 2.84 26.01 ± 2.27  20c (BO-1600)  1.19 ± 0.004  1.70 ± 0.006  8.75 ± 0.88 13.71 ± 1.28  7.54 ± 0.95 29.04 ± 4.49  18d (BO-1601) ND ND 21.35 ± 3.74 15.22 ± 1.86  8.48 ± 0.67 17.36 ± 1.86  19d (BO-1602) 1.49 ± 0.04  1.10 ± 0.015 10.33 ± 1.11 19.27 ± 3.44 14.60 ± 3.39 38.48 ± 7.21  20d (BO-1635)  1.00 ± 0.002  0.41 ± 0.005 30.75 ± 6.92 29.56 ± 1.83 15.10 ± 1.34 74.85 ± 15.69 18g (BO-1646) ND ND  9.94 ± 1.87  8.81 ± 1.20  5.00 ± 0.78 18.10 ± 3.71  19g (BO-1647) ND ND  8.85 ± 1.53 17.90 ± 3.59  9.39 ± 1.90 29.47 ± 4.86  20g (BO-1648) ND ND  8.19 ± 1.74 17.49 ± 0.80  7.23 ± 1.57 60.88 ± 13.43 18j (BO-1727) ND ND 13.32 ± 2.23 10.74 ± 2.29  7.12 ± 0.95 28.70 ± 4.32  19j (BO-1728) ND ND 20.64 ± 1.89 24.19 ± 2.96 26.28 ± 4.44 74.50 ± 8.70  20j (BO-1729) ND ND 20.44 ± 1.65 13.38 ± 0.84  9.67 ± 1.06 45.49 ± 6.19  Cisplatin ND ND 16.53 ± 0.90  4.71 ± 0.66  2.44 ± 0.53 54.57 ± 3.33 

TABLE 7 The cytotoxicity of newly synthesized 2,3- bis(hydroxymethyl)-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]- indole and their bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives against human lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF- CEM) and solid tumor cell growth in vitro.

IC₅₀ (μM) Compd. CCRF/CEM MX-1 HCT-116 PC3 H1299 U87 OECM1 33a (BO-1922) 0.042 ± 0.0003 0.22 ± 0.019  0.12 ± 0.001 ND 3.96 ± 1.79 6.54 ± 2.16 ND 33b (BO-1972) 0.10 ± 0.002 ND ND 2.66 ± 0.47 2.97 ± 0.55 6.26 ± 1.43 1.17 ± 0.89 33c (BO-1950) 0.29 ± 0.003 ND ND 4.52 ± 1.17 5.75 ± 0.52 11.45 ± 1.80  4.17 ± 0.61 26a (BO-1978) 0.20 ± 0.002 ND ND 3.32 ± 0.69 3.02 ± 0.65 9.93 ± 0.88 2.11 ± 1.04 26d (BO-1934) 4.58 ± 0.378 11.28 ± 0.42  13.49 ± 0.088 ND ND ND ND 34a (BO-1923) 0.040 ± 0.0005 0.46 ± 0.001  0.24 ± 0.016 4.11 ± 1.50 6.30 ± 2.80 20.12 ± 5.22  1.90 ± 0.74 27d (BO-1935) 0.35 ± 0.013 1.83 ± 0.082  1.17 ± 0.009 ND ND ND ND 27g (BO-1932) 0.10 ± 0.003 ND ND 8.30 ± 2.24 9.80 ± 2.02 ND 6.15 ± 1.12 35a (BO-1924) 0.033 ± 0.0007 0.25 ± 0.002  0.089 ± 0.0007 73.03 ± 1.29  ND 15.35 ± 3.22  ND 28c (BO-1919) 0.106 ± 0.004  ND ND ND 16.88 ± 2.69  ND 6.56 ± 1.15 28d (BO-1936) 0.437 ± 0.003  12.39 ± 0.050   3.06 ± 0.067 ND ND ND ND cis-Pt ND ND ND 4.71 ± 0.66 16.53 ± 0.90  54.57 ± 3.33  2.44 ± 0.53 In Vivo Studies

The representative compounds of the newly invented compounds disclosed herein were evaluated for their therapeutic efficacy in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts. The in vivo therapeutic effects of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]-thiazolederivatives are shown in FIG. 4 for compound 19 b (BO-1593) and 19 c (BO-1596) and FIG. 5 for 20 b (BO-1597) and 20 c (BO-1600) against human breast cancer MX-1 xenograft in nude mice. It revealed that more than 99% tumor suppression was observed by treating with BO-1593 (10 mg/kg, Q2D×4) or BO-1596 (30 mg/kg, Q2D×4) via intravenous injection (iv. inj.) (FIG. 4A). Remarkably, we found that complete tumor remission (CR) was observed in two out of three mice on D26 and 28 when mice were treated with BO-1597 (20 mg/kg, Q2Dx3 and then 25 mg/kg, Q2D×4, iv. inj.). In another experiment, we found complete tumor remission in all three tested mice, when they were treated with BO-1600 (20 mg/kg, Q2Dx3 and then 25 mg/kg, Q2Dx5) on D24, 26, and 26 (FIG. 5A).

We also have evaluated the therapeutic effects of indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives. As shown in FIG. 6, CR was achieved when nude mice bearing MX-1 human mammary xenograft were treated with 28 c (BO-1919) and 33 b (BO-1972). Additionally, we have evaluated the antitumor activity of 33 a (BO-1922) and 33 b (BO-1972) in nude mice bearing human lung cancer A549 xenograft and compared that with Taxol.

DNA Cross-Linking Study

We have studied the capability of DNA cross-linking (linearized pBR322DNA) by bis(hydroxymethyl) derivatives of benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives [18 g(BO-1646) and 18 c (BO-1582)] (Formula I) and their corresponding bis(alkylcarbamate) derivatives [19 g(BO-1647), 20 g (BO-1648), 19 c (BO-1596) and 20 c (BO-1600)] (Formula II) at various concentrations as indicated (1, 10, and 20 μM) using alkaline agarose gel shifting assay. Melphalan was used as the positive control. As shown in FIG. 8, all tested compounds are able to bind covalently (interstrand cross-linking) with DNA, suggesting that DNA cross-linking may be the main mechanism of action for these agents.

Biological Methods

Tumor and Cell Lines

Human colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells and human prostate adenocarcinoma PC-3 cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, Md.). Human mammary carcinoma (MX-1) tumor cells were obtained from MSKCC cell bank. The CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastic leukemia cells and their vinblastine resistant subline (CCRF-CEM/VBL, 680-fold resistance in vitro) were obtained from Dr. William Beck of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and CCRF-CEM/Taxol (330-fold resistance in vitro). Resistant cells CCRF-CEM/taxol were produced by exposing the parent cells to increasing sublethal concentration (IC₅₀-IC₉₀) of paclitaxel for six months.

Prostate cancer PC3, non-small cell lung carcinoma cells H1299, and human glioma cells U87 were purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.). OECM-1 (human gingival squamous cell carcinoma cells) was obtained from Dr C.-L. Meng (National Defense Medical College, Taiwan).²²

Cytotoxicity Assays

In preparation for in vitro cytotoxicity assays, cells were cultured at an initial density 2−5×10⁴ cells per milliliter. They were maintained in a 5% CO₂-humidified atmosphere at 37° C. in RPMI medium 1640 (GIBCO/BRL) containing penicillin (100 units/mL), streptomycin (100 μg/mL, GIBCO/BRL), and 5% heat-inactivated FBS. For cells grown in suspension (such as CCRF-CEM and its sublines), cytotoxicity was measured, by using XTT microculture method²³ in 96-well microtiter plates.

The cytotoxic effects of the newly synthesized compounds were determined in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (CCRF-CEM) and their resistant subcell lines (CCRF-CEM/Taxol and CCRF-CEM/VBL) by the XTT assay²⁴ and human solid tumor cells (i.e. breast carcinoma MX-1 and colon carcinoma HCT-116) by the SRB assay²⁵ in a 72 h incubation using a microplate spectrophotometer as described previously.²⁵ After the addition of phenazine methosulfate-XTT solution, incubated at 37° C. for 6 h and absorbance at 450 and 630 nm was detected on a microplate reader (EL 340). The cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds against non-small cell lung carcinoma H1299, prostate cancer PC3, oral cancer OECM-1 and glioma U87 were determined by the Alamar blue assay²⁶ in a 72 h incubation using a microplate spectrophotometer as described previously. After the addition of alamar blue solution, it was incubated at 37° C. for 6 h. Absorbance at 570 and 600 nm was detected on a microplate reader. IC₅₀ values were determined from dose-effect relationship at six or seven concentrations of each drug using the CompuSyn software by Chou and Martin²⁷ based on the median-effect principle and plot.^(28,29) Ranges given for Cisplatin were mean±SE (n=4).

Animals

Athymic nude mice bearing the nu/nu gene were obtained from NCI, Frederick, Md. and used for all human tumor xenografts. Male nude mice, 6 weeks or older, weighing 20-24 g or more were used. Compounds were administered via the tail vein for i.v. injection or infusion as described previously.²⁶ A typical formulation for chemotherapeutic studies for each drug was dissolved in DSMO to make a 25 mg/ml fresh solution, 0.4 ml of this solution was mixed with 0.3 ml of Tween 80, plus 1.3 ml to make 2 ml of 5 mg/ml solution. Bolus injection volume was 0.1-0.2 ml per mouse. Tumor volume was assessed by measuring length×width×height (or width) by using a caliper. For tumor-bearing nude mice during the course of the experiment, the body weight refers to total weight minus the weight of the tumor. All animal studies were conducted in accordance with the guidelines for the National Institute of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Animals and the protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Alkaline Agarose Gel Shift Assay.

Formation of DNA cross-linking was analyzed by alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis assay. In brief, purified pEGFP-N1 plasmid DNA (1500 ng) was mixed with various concentrations (1-20 μM) of the tested compounds in 40 μL binding buffer (3 mM sodium chloride/1 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, and 1 mM EDTA). The reaction mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 2 h. At the end of reaction, the plasmid DNA was linearized by digestion with BamHI and followed by precipitation with ethanol. The DNA pellets were dissolved and denatured in alkaline buffer (0.5 N NaOH-10 mM EDTA). An aliquot of 20 μL of DNA solution (1000 ng) was mixed with 4 μL of 6× alkaline loading dye and then electrophoretically resolved on a 0.8% alkaline agarose gel with NaOH-EDTA buffer at 4° C. The electrophoresis was carried out at 18 V for 22 h. After staining the gels with an ethidium bromide solution, the DNA was then visualized under UV light.

The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims.

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We claim:
 1. The compound of Formula III:

wherein: R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl, and an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl group; and R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-C5 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, an acyl (R^(a)CO), a methansulfonyl (Me₂SO₂), a toluenesulfonyl MeC₆H₄SO₂); wherein R^(a) is a C1-C5 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl, and an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein the unsubstituted or substituted aryl group is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein the substituent of the aryl or benzyl is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, a methylenedioxy and ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1 selected from the group consisting of (3-(phenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; (3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; (3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl)dimethanol; [6-Methyl-3-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) bis(ethylcarbamate); [3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) bis(ethylcarbamate); [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) bis(ethylcarbamate); and [3-(4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylen) bis(ethylcarbamate).
 5. The compound of Formula IV

wherein: R¹ and R² are the same or different, and are hydrogen, a C₁-C₅ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl or an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl group; and R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-C5 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, an acyl (R^(a)CO), a methansulfonyl (Me₂SO₂), and a toluenesulfonyl MeC₆H₄SO₂); wherein R^(a) is a C1-C5 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl, and an unsubstituted or substituted benzyl.
 6. The compound of claim 5 wherein the unsubstituted or substituted aryl group is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyrenyl, anthryl, and phenanthryl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazoyl, imidazoyl, thiazoyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl and indolyl.
 7. The compound of claim 5 wherein the substituent of the aryl or benzyl is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl, OR^(a); halo, cyano, nitro, NH₂, NHR^(b), N(R^(b))₂, a C₃-C₆ cyclic alkylamino group, a methylenedioxy, and ethylenedioxy group; wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and R^(b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl.
 8. The compound of claim 5 selected from the group consisting of [6-Methyl-3-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene)bis(iso propylcarbamate); [3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) (isopropylcarbamate); [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) (isopropylcarbamate); and [3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[6,7-b]indole-1,2-diyl]bis(methylene) (isopropylcarbamate). 